Jul. 08, 2020
Comox Fire Rescue Supports Habitat
Left to right: Bill Windram, Comox Fire Rescue Captain; Pat McKenna, Habitat VIN's Executive Director; and Alli Epp, Habitat VIN's Community Engagement Manager / Credit: Karen McKinnon
The Comox Fire Rescue Team is committed to protecting homes from the effects of fire and disasters. This spring, they were set to assist in the building of homes with Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North. Unfortunately, COVID-19 meant the postponement of all of Habitat’s Team Build Days, a fundraising initiative in which local businesses and groups make a donation in exchange for a private day of team building on Habitat’s construction site. Rather than wait until they were able to get on the build site again, the Fire Rescue Team chose to make their donation to Habitat now, a time when funding is more important than ever for all nonprofits.We originally reached out to Habitat about doing a Team Build Day because it was a great fit. We have lots of skilled labourers, and we try to help out groups like Habitat wherever we can. Our build day was cancelled, but we thought, ‘let’s get them the cash anyways’ because the builds are still continuing.” - Gord Schreiner, Comox Fire Rescue's Fire ChiefThis $5,000 donation came shortly after the firefighters donated $500 worth of fire safety equipment to Habitat’s upcoming #BidtoBuild online auction fundraiser. Schreiner also passed along some important fire safety tips for Habitat homeowners -- and everyone in the community. “Number one is smoke alarms installed and working. A minor investment that could make a huge difference in your lives.” While this may seem obvious, Schreiner says they go to many houses where the smoke alarms have been disconnected. His second ‘must-have’ is a fire safety plan that your entire family is aware of. “All family members should know where to meet outside. It’s very chaotic when a fire starts in your house.” More information about Comox Fire Rescue can be found at comoxfirerescue.org.
